Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless tradition with a modern twist

This article has been written for our sponsor, Carolina Ballet

The magic of the holiday season is only complete with the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker. A beloved classic that has captured hearts for generations, this ballet continues to stand the test of time. Under the leadership of Artistic Director/CEO, Zalman Raffael, Carolina Ballet has successfully preserved the integrity of this classical ballet. The core storyline and essence of The Nutcracker remains while opening up the magical world to represent all families who may be in the audience.

One key aspect of the company's success is retaining the original narrative. The Nutcracker's tale is a timeless story of a young girl, Clara, who embarks on a magical journey with her Nutcracker Prince through the Land of Sweets, battling the Mouse King and encountering a series of enchanting characters. The enduring charm of the plot reminds us of the importance of imagination and the magic that unfolds during the holiday season.

However, it's in the clever incorporation of contemporary elements that Carolina Ballet's production shines. The company achieved this through subtle but effective updates to costumes and innovative staging.

In recent years, there has been a greater understanding of how much representation matters in the arts. While Carolina Ballet has long embraced diversity, the 2022 updates to The Nutcracker make the production feel more accessible. In addition to other diverse portrayals, the audience now sees a single parent come in with children in the opening party scene. These nuances may seem small, but they reflect a broader societal shift towards inclusivity, making The Nutcracker more relatable to an increasingly diverse audience.

“While it is a holiday tradition, with the new choreography you're able to keep the story fresh and let it grow with the times. It allows for more representation to be shown on stage,” said Deidre Scanlon, who has played various roles in the production throughout the years.

Scanlon first danced in The Nutcracker at age eight for the New York City Ballet. She said it was those early years that solidified her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, and noted that even before that, when she first saw the production, there was an important shift in her perspective.

“Even before being in The Nutcracker myself, [I was] able to go and see young children on stage,” said Scanlon.

In seeing young children on stage, she felt inspired to continue to work hard. It allowed her to see that dance was so much more than ‘long hours in the studio.’ “It gave me a chance to see how life-changing coming to a performance [could be]. Having that chance to do that for future generations, I think, is something special.”

To capture the imagination of tech-savvy audiences, the production incorporates modern technology. Stunning visual effects and projections bring the Land of Sweets to life in a way that engages younger viewers who are accustomed to the digital world.

Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker has undoubtedly earned its place as a beloved and enduring holiday tradition. Elye Bailey, a featured dancer, says the production not only keeps ballet alive but also arts in general.

“I think that The Nutcracker just makes people feel at home, and there's a sense of no matter what your [holiday] practices are or whether you practice, it isn't really about that. It touches people in a way that I've seen that just keeps it alive,” says Bailey.

By staying true to the heart of the classic tale while integrating elements that appeal to today's audiences, the company achieved a remarkable milestone last year. The re-imagined classic became the highest-grossing and highest-attended Carolina Ballet show in history. Due to popular demand, Mother Ginger will be returning to stage for this year's production.

This successful fusion of tradition and modernity ensures that the magic of The Nutcracker continues to capture the hearts of both young and old, making it a cherished tradition that will endure for generations to come. As we eagerly await this year's performance, we can only imagine how Carolina Ballet will again transport us to a world where dreams come true. Magic abounds, ensuring that The Nutcracker remains a timeless delight for all.

“I hope that audiences see that we're happy up there and then in turn take that joy into their day-to-day lives,” said Scanlon.

Carolina Ballet’s 2023 performances of The Nutcracker feature a live symphony orchestra and refreshed choreography and costumes. Performances will run December 14 - 24, 2023. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

This article has been written for our sponsor, Carolina Ballet.